Super Cheap Japan

by Matthew Baxter

  Toyota City Showcase (トヨタ シティ ショウケース)

  Test drive the latest Toyota models and learn about the latest in automotive technology. The History Garage has more than 60 cars from across the generations, plus children can learn traffic rules while having a drive of their own ‘petit cars’. FREE • 11am-9pm • Inside Palette Town • Google Maps

  Shopping malls

  Tokyo Teleport station in Odaiba is surrounded by several large shopping malls, all of which are great for window shopping or photo taking, but don’t generally have any great deals or discounts compared to places such as Harajuku or Shinjuku. These are the best for budget travelers:

  Palette Town (パレットタウン)

  Huge complex, with a variety of themed zones and a Ferris wheel as well. Definitely check out Venus Port, which is a rather strange shopping center, supposed to look like some kind of grand Italian city, but all inside for convenience of course. 11am-9pm • Outside Aomi station • Google Maps

  Decks Tokyo Beach (デックス東京ビーチ)

  Street performers show off their skills for free at the decking area outside this shopping mall. Inside is the rather expensive Sega Joypolis indoor theme park, but Daiba 1-chome Shoutengai on the second floor is full of fascinating knickknacks, retro souvenirs and cheap retro games to play. Top spot for odd souvenirs to take home. 11am-9pm • Between Tokyo Teleport station and Odaiba Seaside Park • Google Maps

  Diver City Tokyo Plaza (ダイバーシティ東京 プラザ)

  Another large complex, the highlight (if it’s around when you are there) being the above-mentioned Gundam statue outside. Apart from that, there are a host of chain stores including a branch of budget clothes manufacturer Uniqlo. 10am-9pm • Few mins west of Tokyo Teleport station • Google Maps

  100 yen shops

  Seria (セリア) - Inside Venus Port in Palette Town. 11am-9pm

  Daiso (ダイソー) - Inside Diver City. 10am-9pm

  Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)

  Decks Tokyo Beach has a Matsumotokiyoshi pharmacy (マツモトキヨシ) (10am - 9pm)

  Budget food

  It’s generally a very touristy area, so prices tend to be high. There are some fun themed areas to enjoy, though.

  Tokyo Ramen Stadium (東京ラーメン国技館 舞)

  Stuff yourself with all kinds of ramen, from soy sauce to pork to full-on chili red ramen. Six of the best ramen chefs in the country have come together to create this very tasty experience. Ramen from 980 yen • 11am-11pm • Aquacity (next to Decks Tokyo Beach) 5F • Google Maps

  Takoyaki Museum

  If you are a fan of takoyaki (octopus balls), then this is the place for you. Features some much loved stalls from Osaka selling their local variants, plus shops to buy kits to make them yourselves. Takoyaki from around 600 yen • 10am-9pm • Diver City Tokyo Plaza • Google Maps

  Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)

  Although there are numerous convenience stores around, Maruetsu (マルエツ) has a larger range at its supermarket outside Odaiba-kaihinkoen station (9am - 10pm).

  Water bottle refill spots

  There is free Japanese tea and water in Oedo-Onsen Monogatari, but not many water fountains around. This may change as improvements are made for the 2020 Olympics.

  How to get there and away

  By free shuttle bus (大江戸温泉物語へのシャトルバス)

  If you are going to Oedo Hot Spring, save on the cost of a train ticket by using the free shuttle bus. Frequent connections can bring you back into the city.

  From Tokyo station

  Leave from the Yaesu Central exit, cross the road and walk straight ahead 100 meters. The bus stop is in front of the 7-Eleven convenience store. At 10:20, 12:50, 16:00, 17:50, 19:50.

  From Shinagawa

  Leave from the Konan exit, head through Atre shopping mall and down to the main street heading out from the station on the left (behind the police box, with the Family Mart). Walk up, passing Sukiya (すき家- show this character to someone if lost!) on the right side. At the first intersection turn left and walk down, then turn right. The shuttle uses bus stop No.1 by the Sony building. Weekdays: 10:40, 13:20, 14:55, 17:35, 19:10, 20:25, 21:50. Weekends/Holidays: 10:10, 11:10, 12:10, 14:10, 15:10, 16:35, 17:35, 18:40, 20:10, 21:20, 22:40.

  By rail

  From Shinjuku station, take the Saikyo Line to Osaki station, then the Rinkai Line to Tokyo Teleport (24 mins, 480 yen). Some Saikyo Line trains continue from Osaki on the Rinkai Line, so there is no need to change. From Tokyo station, take the Keiyo Line to Shin-Kiba station, then the Rinkai Line to Tokyo Teleport (22 mins, 420 yen).

  Tourist information (観光案内所)

  Just outside the Tokyo Teleport station gates is ‘Odaiba Sky tourist information’ (10am - 6pm).

  Mount Takao (高尾山)

  The cheapest and easiest to access mountain and hiking experience near Tokyo city. It really is a great deal, as the one hour train ride costs just 380 yen. There are various trails to take, depending on how much time you want to spend and how much you like to hike. There is also a cable car if you want to cut the journey time to the top in half. Along the way there are plenty of wonderful shrines, parks and nature to keep anyone interested. Casual hikers can take a cable car (8am-5:15pm, adults 480, children 240 yen), while those wanting more of a challenge should skip it and walk up trail #6 (entrance just to the left of the lower cable car station) Difficulty: Easy to intermediate • Time required: 3-4 hours (take off about one hour if using the cable car)

  Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu (京王高尾山温泉 極楽湯)

  This brand new hot spring is a great spot to soak your feet and body in after a day of hiking. Includes a sauna and outdoor bath. 1000 yen • 8am-11pm • Behind Takaosanguchi station

  Discount pass: Mt. Takao Discount Ticket

  Worth buying if you are sure you will need the cable car at Mount Takao. This ticket includes a return ticket from Shinjuku, plus a return or one-way ticket on the cable car. A 20% saving is given compared to buying separately. Buy at any Keio Line station in Tokyo city, such as in Shinjuku station.

  Budget food

  Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu

  There is also a Japanese restaurant inside the new hot spring, with a wide choice for all tastes. Curry, soba, sushi, it’s got it all. Meals from 750 yen • 8am-11pm (last order 10pm) • Behind Takaosanguchi station

  Mt. Takao Beer Mount

  Beer garden 500 meters up Mount Takao with a commanding view of the mountains, it has to be one of the best in Tokyo and Kanto. Cheap buffet food available, with simple dishes like fried rice, dumplings and pasta. Drinks from 600 yen, food from 1000-2000 yen • Weekdays 3pm-9pm, Weekends and holidays 2:30pm-9pm • Near cable car upper station

  Water bottle refill spots

  There are no water refill spots going up the mountain and the vending machines are a little pricey near the start, so bring plenty of water with you.

  Free wifi locations

  Keio has free wifi available on the platform of Takaosanguchi station and at Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu.

  Recommended cheap accommodation

  Hikage-sawa Campground (日影沢キャンプ場)

  Basic campground, with a simple toilet and just 12 car parking spots. There are no rental facilities. If you can’t speak Japanese, get someone at a previous hotel/hostel to call the campsite and check availability beforehand. FREE • Irregular reception opening times • From Takaosanguchi station, take a Shō futsu (小仏行き) bound bus to Hikage (日影). Show the bus driver to be sure, as well as checking bus times when you arrive as services can be infrequent. You can also hike there in one hour from the summit • Google Maps • 042-663-6689

  How to get there and away

  From Shinjuku station, take the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi station (370 yen, 1 hour). You may need to change at Kitano station. The way from Takaosangu
chi station is well signposted.

  Todoroki Valley (等々力渓谷)

  Todoroki Valley is a wonderful retreat from all the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Not far from Shibuya, it offers lush forests and luminously blue waters along a short 1.2 kilometer valley. Along the way there are a few small shrines and the odd waterfall, and the whole route is almost flat, so suitable for all ages. Puzzling why this place isn’t on more tourist maps!

  From Todoroki station, take the south exit, then walk to the right. Take a left turn down the main road and walk a little until you get to Seijo Ishii supermarket. The valley entrance is to the right of the supermarket. Walk down in a southerly direction, then when you get to the end return along the same route back to the station. Difficulty: Easy • Walk time: 1 hour

  Budget food

  There are a few cheap joints down the main shopping street. After heading out of Todoroki station (south exit) and walking to the right, take a right at the main road and walk over the tracks:

  Sukiya (すき家) - curry and gyudon eat-in and takeaway. Meals from 360 yen • 24h

  Origin Bento (オリジン弁当) - popular bento chain. Bento boxes from 390 yen • 24h

  Hotto Motto (ほっともっと) - another good bento spot, with a more varied menu than Origin. Bento boxes from 390 yen • 7am - 11pm

  Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)

  There are plenty of convenience stores around the station, in addition to the Seijo Ishii supermarket (10am-11pm) on the walk. Seijo Ishii is not the cheapest of supermarkets, but has bakery bundles and some foreign food if you are missing something back home. A cheaper option is Super Value (スーパーバリュー), which is on the street to the left after passing the above mentioned Sukiya (10am-9pm).

  Free wifi locations

  Currently no stable free wifi around station or near valley. Return to Shibuya if you are desperate.

  How to get there and away

  From Shibuya station, take the Tokyu Toyoko Line to Jiyugaoka station. From here take the Tokyu Oimachi Line to Todoroki station (16 minutes, 200 yen).

  Sugamo (巣鴨)

  Amusingly known to Tokyoites as ‘Harajuku for old ladies’, Sugamo is a small area in Tokyo and a popular spot for domestic tourists to visit. Elderly Japanese people love to visit to buy items colored red, which they believe will bring them luck and good health in their older age. For foreign tourists, it’s a highly recommended, quirky spot if you want to see what a tourist spot is like in Japan before it’s full of tourist buses and tour groups! Prices are also more reasonable than the big tourist spots in Tokyo such as Harajuku, Odaiba and Shibuya.

  Things to do

  Jizo Dori Shopping Street

  800 meter long street, this hotspot for old ladies has plenty of bargains (old Japanese ladies love to spend the whole day looking for a good deal!) and some people like to joke that, just like the look of the area, the prices are from the 1950s as well. While not as geared up for foreign tourists as other tourist streets, this is generally a friendlier and more laid-back area. As the main market here is for the elderly, many things are rather old fashioned and not affected by modernity. Not many chains here, just family-owned, traditional businesses and the occasional free sample of matcha tea or bean cake. From JR Sugamo station’s north exit or Metro exit A3, head north (opposite way to train bridge), Jizo Dori is the street on the left with the large gate, before the footbridge • Google Maps

  Rikugien Garden (六義園)

  One of our favorite Japanese gardens in Tokyo. It’s got it all; cherry blossoms, autumn colors, a reasonably priced tea house, a stunning lake and lots of interesting paths to take. Come in the evening during cherry blossoms and autumn color seasons for the ‘light up’ events. Adults 300 yen, children free • 9am-5pm (closed Dec 29 - Jan 1) • Outside Komagome station • Google Maps

  Sakura Onsen (サクラ 東京染井温泉)

  A modern hot spring in Tokyo that uses real hot spring water, a great place for your first hot spring experience in Japan. It also includes a traditional restaurant, where you can sit on Japanese tatami mats, a relaxation zone to chill out and massage services. Plus, you can get a haircut if you really want to! Save some money by bringing your own modesty towel and bath towel. Adults 1296 yen, children 756 yen • 10am-11pm • By bus: Free shuttle bus every 10-15 minutes from Sugamo station (pink bus, stops near the JR south exit) or car park of swimming pool next to Sakura. On foot: up main road from the north exit, take a right just before the footbridge and walk down 5-10 minutes • Google Maps

  Kyu-Furukawa Gardens (旧古河庭園)

  Could be described as a half English, half Japanese garden, so worth a visit if you have already been to plenty of traditional Japanese gardens. One half looks like a traditional English garden, with a manor house and roses, while the other half has a traditional Japanese pond and stone structures. Early May to early June is a great time to come for the roses and occasional free music events. 150 yen • 9am-5pm (closed Dec 29 - Jan 1) • From Komagome JR north exit or Metro exit 4, turn right (opposite side of bridge) and walk down the main road, staying on the left side. You will come to the entrance in 10 minutes • Google Maps

  Budget food

  Jizo Dori Shopping Street

  While best for cheap snacks and drinks, there are a few options for eat-in meals:

  Oohashiya (地蔵そば　大橋屋) - Traditional soba and Japanese set meals. Soba from 750 yen • 10am-6pm • Google Maps

  Sakurazen (桜膳) - Casual yakiniku (BBQ) and Korean food. Gets more expensive in the evening, so just come for the cheaper lunch sets. Lunch from 800 yen • 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm • Google Maps

  Outside Sugamo station (north exit)

  There are plenty of cheap restaurants and take-out joints around the station.

  Ootoya (大戸屋) - Various Japanese set meals. Meals from 750 yen • 11am-2am • Google Maps

  Hidakaya Ramen (日高屋) - Tokyo’s super cheap ramen chain. Fried rice and gyoza dumplings also available. Ramen from 390 yen • 24h • Google Maps

  Matsuya (松屋) - Gyudon and burger eat-in and takeaway. Meals from 290 yen • 24h • Google Maps

  Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)

  There is a large Seiyu Supermarket (西友) near the JR north exit (24h), down the street to the left of the Jonathan’s family restaurant.

  Water bottle refill spots

  Sakura Onsen has a water fountain in the changing rooms, so be sure to refill there.

  Shopping

  Apart from Jizo Dori, there are some shops on the way there, including a few 100 yen shops:

  Can Do (キャンドゥ) - Head to the right from JR Sugamo station, south exit. 10am-9pm

  Silk (シルク) - Another awesome 100 yen shop, just before you enter Jizo Dori shopping street. 10am-9:30pm

  Getting around

  It takes only 15 minutes or so to walk from Sugamo station to Komagome station or vice versa, to save on the train ticket. Just use a map in the station to make sure you are going in the right direction and head down the track. The tourist hotspots are short walks from either station, so the Sugamo area is a great way to spend an afternoon.

  How to get there and away

  From Shinjuku station, take the Yamanote Line to Sugamo station (16 mins, 170 yen). From Tokyo station, take the Yamanote Line to Sugamo station (18 mins, 170 yen). Komagome is the next station on the line. By Tokyo Metro, take the Namboku Line to Sugamo station. Recommended rail passes: Tokyo Subway Ticket, Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket, Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass

  Kanto region: around Tokyo

  Tokyo is situated in Kanto, the most built up and prosperous of all the prefectures in Japan. The prefecture has a great transportation network, with many spots not far away, making Tokyo a perfect base from which to do some side trips on a budget. The highlight is of course Mount Fuji, a great challenge that any traveler should tick off their bucket list. Other highlights include the rela
xing hot spring town of Hakone, the spiritual temple town of Nikko and Tokyo’s little brother city of Yokohama. The multiple discount transportation passes are perfect for budget travelers.

  Discount pass: JR Tokyo Wide Pass

  Most of the spots in this chapter have discount transportation passes of their own, but if you want to do many of them in a short amount of time, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass may be worth a look. It allows unlimited use of JR trains (and a few partner lines) in the Kanto prefecture for three consecutive days, including use of Shinkansen and limited express trains. The pass is available from a JR Travel Service Center in any major station in Tokyo or Yokoyama, plus Narita and Haneda airports. Note the pass is for those with visitor visas only.

  The JR Tokyo Wide Pass covers most of the places in this chapter. It provides access to Kamakura, Kawagoe, Nikko, Omiya and Bonsai Village and Yokohama. It would be possible to visit one of these each day, so have a look and see which take your fancy. The pass does not include the unlimited use of local transportation in these areas, which the individual passes for tourist areas do. The following spots require a short journey on a train line or bus not covered by the pass: Hakone (310 yen extra from Odawara station) and Mount Fuji (2100 yen extra from Kawaguchiko station). In conclusion, if you are in a rush and want to really pack in lots in those three days, this pass is worth it, but otherwise it’s probably easier and cheaper to get each area's own discount pass, or individual cheap local or express train tickets. Adults 10000 yen, children 500 yen

  Yokohama (横浜)

  Actually the second largest city in Japan and only 30 minutes from Tokyo, Yokohama has long since become part of the grand metropolis. What sets this city apart is its port and the rich history of foreign culture and trade. Makes for a fun day trip, especially if you have already done lots of Tokyo before. When you arrive, head to the nearest tourist information center and pick up one of their large maps. If you are using the Minato Mirai Line, our recommended spots are shown, but it also features seasonal walking routes.